ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

Ben Schachter is a saxophonist/composer with original and compelling talents. He has recorded and performed worldwide with Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Tim Hagans, Jack Walrath, Sam Rivers, Uri Caine, George Garzone, Gerald Veasley, Jef Lee Johnson and many others.

Schachter has also been an active educator, having taught at Berklee College of Music, as a guest clinician in Europe, and presently at Temple University in Philadelphia.

FRACTALS is Ben Schachter's debut recording as a leader. It features Ben's unique compositions performed by an ensemble of important artists on the cutting edge of creative jazz; TIM HAGANS, JAMAALADEEN TACUMA, JEF LEE JOHNSON and others.

The sound of two basses drives much of the music on the CD, as does the stellar playing and soaring creativity of the soloists. The recording was engineered and mixed with help from Ornette Coleman's Harmolodic Studios. This record represents a truly fresh jazz conception.

The Philadelphia Inquirer says of FRACTALS: "It's rare that a recording is both experimental and accessible... Ben Schachter accomplishes this delicate feat on FRACTALS.... a slamming context for Schachter, guitarist Jef Lee Johnson and trumpeter Tim Hagans, who engage in some deep-end explorations. ...the influence of Thelonious Monk, yet a driving, more modern vibe...the title track is both harmonically adventurous and a rocking good tune."

"If the news hasn't reached you, then listen up! Philadelphia-based saxophonist Ben Schachter is one of the sharpest improvisers in modern jazz."
AllAboutJazz

Over the past year I have had, and continue to enjoy the great privilege of studying under the tutelage of both Ben Schachter and Micah Jones. Though this allows me to appreciate the music of these two artists as well as the other truly remarkable musicians in this recording beyond what I’d ever thought possible, it makes it somewhat difficult to review their work from an objective perspective. More aptly, I haven't the musicality or comprehension of jazz to technically review any artist of Ben Schacter’s caliber. The only insightful comments I could possibly offer would be to say what an inspiration the music of Ben Schachter has been to me and to what degree of eloquence, originality and profound musical expression his work transcends. The personnel on this album is a collection of great artists who are all exceptional musicians among exceptional musicians including Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Jef Lee Johnson, Micah Jones, Tom Cohen and Tim Haggins. Together they perform Schachter's compositions to a level of excellence rarely achieved. I give this album 5 stars simply because it is the only rating suitable for such a work. It is my hope and expectation that this is just the first major recording of what will become one of the most prolific artists in this era of music.

This is a nice CD! The songs keep you interested, and the playing is great. Schacter has that rarely-heard ability to strech the limits and take lots of chances - while always maintaining melodic sense and groovin' hard! The addition of formidable trumpeter Hagans and a killer rhythm section makes this disc a "must-have".

I highly recommend this album to anyone. It is very origional and very 1965 at the same time. A great addition to any jazz fan's collection. Ben Schachter works the high register of the tenor sax very nicely and is equally impressive on the soprano. He seems to be working on a late Coltrane sound on much of the album, which sounds very soulful and innovatave rather than copy-catish. Each song has a solid groove with nice changes. Also, the rythm guitar and bass sound give this album a refreshing change from the normal piano/bass combo.

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